A concept photo of digital economy Photo: VCG

China applying to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) will contribute to closer integration and long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region as well as the world, Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Shu Jueting said at press briefing on Thursday in Beijing.

The scale of China's digital economy is leading the world. Joining DEPA is in line with China's efforts to strengthen cooperation across the global digital economic landscape, and promote innovation and sustainable development, and it is also an important policy action for China to accelerate reform and expanding high-level opening-up to the world, said Shu.

China has officially applied to join DEPA on November 1, an international agreement that establishes approaches and collaboration in upgrading digital trade in the world.

Shu noted the country's accession to DEPA will not only provide members with access to a huge market, improve prospects for digital economy cooperation, and create greater benefits for enterprises and individuals across members, but also help promote closer integration and long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Shu also emphasized that China is willing to work with all parties to explore the best path for establishing a cross-border digital governance framework, actively carry out multilateral digital governance cooperation, and make a positive contribution to the development of global digital economy, trade, and investment growth and economic recovery. 

Global Times